ABSTRACT
@#Quick selection of blood free from blood borne infections is paramount during massive blood loss due to trauma and severe blood deficiencies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the frequency of the ABO blood group antigens and their possible associations with Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTIs), to help create a preliminary database for quick access to infection-free blood during such emergencies. This was an observational retrospective study which included all blood donor information recorded from January 2010 to June 2020 at the Nonga General Hospital Blood Transfusion Laboratory, East New Britain province, Papua New Guinea. All data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel Office Windows 10 version. Parametric statistics were used for analysis of the data, p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. The chi-square test was used to determine if there were significant differences in infection rates between the ABO blood group antigens and variables of interest. Ethical clearance and consent were obtained from the relevant authorities. The order of frequency of the ABO blood group antigens in this population was O>A>B>AB (64%, 18%, 15%, 3%) respectively. The majority of the donors were males (74%). First time donors were 54% and voluntary donors were 85%. Most of the donors (43%) were in the 15-29 years age group. Males with blood type O were significantly associated (p=0.032) with TTIs. HBV/Syphilis co-infections and HBV/Syphilis/HIV triple infections were also significantly associated (p=<0.001) with blood type O. The prevalence rates of infections obtained in the present study were 14% among the young adults (15 to 29 years), 25% among males, 29% among voluntary donors, and 18% among first-time donors. This calls for increased public health educational awareness among the population in the study area